The early- to mid-2000s were a simpler time in music. Rock music was actually thing on popular radio. Production on hit singles was often stripped down nearly to its core rather than with bombastic synths and beats. People still (kind of) bought albums, at least early on in the decade. And American Idol was more about the singers than it was the judges.

When Nicki Minaj didn’t appear to the set on time for the first live taping of American Idol Wednesday night (March 13), the cameras kept on rolling. Her absence had many wondering what could have happened to the singer.

Casey Abrams talks to CBS Local about working with ‘American Idol’ judge Randy Jackson on his recently released debut album, his musical connection with ‘AI’ alum Haley Reinhart and shares his advice for this season’s Idol cast offs.